The Death of the Firstborn is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, marking the final and most severe of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 11:1-12:36. It serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, ultimately leading to the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.

Biblical Account

The account begins with God announcing to Moses that He will bring one more plague upon Pharaoh and Egypt, after which Pharaoh will let the Israelites go (Exodus 11:1). God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold, as they had found favor in the eyes of the Egyptians (Exodus 11:2-3).

Moses then delivers God's message to Pharaoh, declaring that around midnight, the LORD will go throughout Egypt, and every firstborn son in the land will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne to the firstborn of the slave girl behind the millstones, and even the firstborn of the livestock (Exodus 11:4-5). This plague is described as bringing a great cry throughout Egypt, such as has never been heard before and will never be heard again (Exodus 11:6).

The Passover

In preparation for this event, God institutes the Passover, a significant observance for the Israelites. Each household is instructed to select a lamb without blemish, slaughter it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their homes (Exodus 12:3-7). The blood serves as a sign for the LORD to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague (Exodus 12:13).

The Israelites are commanded to eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, with their loins girded, sandals on their feet, and staff in hand, ready to leave Egypt in haste (Exodus 12:8-11). This meal becomes a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from bondage (Exodus 12:14).

The Plague Strikes

At midnight, the LORD strikes down all the firstborn in Egypt, fulfilling His warning. Pharaoh, his officials, and all the Egyptians rise in the night to find every household affected by death, resulting in a great wailing throughout the land (Exodus 12:29-30). This devastating blow compels Pharaoh to summon Moses and Aaron, urging them to leave Egypt with the Israelites and their possessions (Exodus 12:31-32).

Theological Significance

The Death of the Firstborn is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will and oppress His people. The event also highlights the concept of substitutionary atonement, as the blood of the Passover lamb protects the Israelites from the angel of death, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Furthermore, this event marks the beginning of the Exodus, a foundational moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His power to deliver His people from bondage. The annual observance of Passover serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of obedience and faith in His redemptive plan.